Page 14 of Tempting the Earl
Two evenings later the earl sat at the large desk in his library staring despondently into the flames of the fire burning in the grate.
"James, I am really having a bad feeling about this. Everywhere we turn there are allegations about Ridley. Nothing has ever been proven, but the rumours that swirl around him should have made any parent hesitant to declare him guardian to their daughter. What was the marquis thinking when he left his daughter in his care?" The earl was angry in his frustration over the lack of information about the missing young lady.
"In defence of the deceased marquis, milord, perhaps he did not know what suspicions were attached to the man. From what we have learned, the marquis and his wife removed from Society many years ago and lived quite retired on their principal estate. Would you harbour suspicions over your relations and have them investigated?" the secretary asked reasonably.
"If I was going to leave my children to them, I should like to think I would be responsible enough to ensure beyond any doubt that they would be in good hands," answered Philip heatedly.
"That's reasonable, but we also have found out that both the marquis and his wife died suddenly. They no doubt never thought a guardian would ever actually be required for their only child. They were planning to live to see grandchildren who would inherit their wealth and titles, not this distant cousin they knew little about. Naming him as guardian was merely a formality, I’m sure."
"You are probably right, James,” Philip agreed with a sigh, “but let this be a lesson to you to always think of all the possibilities. Very well, let's review what we have found out so far. I have to drive out to meet the scoundrel tomorrow morning. I have not been able to find anyone who speaks highly of him. Many were unaware of him before he gained the viscountcy, but I met a couple of gentlemen who suspected him of cheating at cards. He has actually been blackballed from several of the hells."
"I too have heard suspicions of cheating, but it is the missing women in his past that has me the most concerned, my lord. In the town where he grew up there are two local peasant families of little means who had beautiful daughters who disappeared after Ridley took an interest in them. Foul play has been suspected, but no one could prove anything, and he has remained free. He and his friend, Lord Maximillian Woolfe, are suspected of many things in the village, but they made themselves scarce as soon as Ridley inherited his estate. You will no doubt have to confront the two of them when you go out there on the morrow."
"So we are still really no further ahead, are we, James? Everything is merely hearsay and conjecture at this point. However, I think it would be best if you come with me after all. I was planning to go by myself, but Ridley has granted his permission to speak with the servants, and it would likely go more smoothly if there are two of us. Besides, some may be more comfortable talking to you. You seem to have a way with people." The earl laughed in self-mockery.
"You have a way with people, too, milord, it's just your title which sometimes gets in the way," replied the ever unflappable secretary.
"Well, James, we had best get a good rest tonight, I want to make an early start in the morning and get these interviews over with. The longer we take to find the girl, the greater the risk to her safety. As it is, I am beginning to doubt if she is ever going to be found alive!"
"I hope you are wrong, my lord. We will see what we can find out tomorrow. Good night."
After James let himself out of the room quietly, Philip leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Talking about what he would do if he had children to provide for had gotten to him. He was intrigued by the ideas running through his head. He really did need to consider setting up his nursery. The countess had recently begun asking after grandchildren. As his mind drifted into thoughts of his future he was shocked to see Emily’s face smiling down at his hypothetical children. He shook his head in dismay; he really was becoming obsessive about the little maid. She was a taking young woman, but really, his mother’s companion was not a suitable mother for the future heir to the earldom of Yorkleigh. It was a good thing he had asked his mother to plan the house party. Lady Maude was a suitable choice. It was time he got on with it.
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James and Philip rode out not too long after the sun rose the next morning. It would take them at least an hour to ride out to Ridley's estate and they were hoping to get as much accomplished that day as possible. They went across country, taking shortcuts the earl was familiar with in order to make faster time. Despite the gravity of their errand, the two men found they were enjoying the beautiful morning and the view as they passed, but at the back of their minds were still disquieting thoughts about what they might or might not find out that day. James was the first to break the silence.
"I can't help being surprised that his lordship has given his permission for us to question his staff. How did you convince him?"
Philip laughed ruefully. "I didn't. It was actually the king who commanded Ridley to allow the questioning. The old marquis made his home on the estate much of the time, and Ridley has retained most of the previous staff, so we realized some of the servants might know something. They may know where the girl is or who she might confide in or turn to for help. It will hopefully provide us with some new leads, at least."
"I wonder if they will feel free to speak if they are aware of their new master's past sins. There may be considerable fear to overcome," James replied with disquiet.
"That is part of the reason why we have started out so early, my boy. I heard Lord Ridley never rises before noon. Hopefully we will be able to speak to many of the servants before he even realizes we have arrived."
"Clever plan, my lord," congratulated Mr. Dale as they clattered into the courtyard of their destination.
Philip approached the door confidently and was reaching for the knocker when it was opened by a gaunt-looking butler. The butler ushered them in to the foyer without a smile and waited for them to state their intentions.
"Good morning, I am Philip, Earl of Yorkleigh. The king has sent me here in search of information about Lady Emmaline. The marchioness is missing, and we have been authorized to question the staff. Would you please arrange for us to speak individually with the various servants who would have known the previous residents?"
The cadaverous-looking servant just stood there blinking at the earl as if he didn't understand what Philip was asking. Philip tried again.
"Did you know the Marquis of Edenvale?"
"Yes, my lord, I have served here for forty-five years, I knew the marquis and his father before him," the butler answered slowly in gloomy tones.
"Excellent, then we will start with you. Did you know Lady Emmaline?"
With this question Philip noticed the first real emotions cross the old man's face. It was obvious he knew and was fond of her. But he also appeared sad and afraid.
"Yes, my lord, I knew her," he answered shortly with a sad smile. "She was the sweetest child to ever grace this house."
"Do you know what has become of the young lady?" Philip questioned gently. He could not help but notice that the butler had used the term 'was' in reference to the marchioness. He wondered if the servants knew what had really happened to the gently bred woman.
"No, my lord, that I do not and it's a crying shame and that's all I have to say on the matter. I'll let his lordship know you're here, my lord." The old butler began to shuffle away. Philip tried to stop him.
"It's not necessary to disturb Lord Ridley. Mr. Dale and I can speak with the servants without waking his lordship. We do have his permission to ask our questions."
